Hosted by nonprofits Plug In America and the Electric Auto Association, along with national environmental organization the Sierra Club, at least 20 cities from Honolulu to New York are planning plug-in festivities.

Participants can drive in electric-car parades and attend “tailpipe-free” tailgate parties, lectures and a ceremonial plugging in. Enthusiasts in the Los Angeles area are also planning what organizers hope will be the country's largest ever electric-vehicle parade.

New electric vehicles by Nissan, General Motors, Mitsubishi, Toyota, Smart, Tesla, Ford and Coda will be available for ride-and-drive opportunities. Also, electric-vehicle chargers and other products will be on display.